26 seats APRC Unopposed, NRP Puts 8 and 20 Independent Candidates

AUTHOR: Bakary Ceesay-

Media release from the Independent Electoral Commission on the 10th March 2012 that in accordance with Section 52 of the Election Act, nomination for candidates are closed and that the APRC fielded in candidates for all the forty-eight constituencies, eight candidates for the opposition NRP party and twenty Independent candidates respectively.
   The unopposed APRC candidates and constituencies are Alhagie Sillah of Banjul North, Sulayman S Joof of Serrekunda West, Fabakary Tombong Jatta of Serrekunda East, Pa Lamin Jatta of Kombo North, Abdou Kolley of Kombo South, Alhasan Bojang of Kombo East, Ebrima Solo Jammeh of Foni Bintang, Bintanding Jarju of Foni Brefet, Buba A Bojang of Foni Kansala, Yaya Dibba of Kiang West, Bora B. Mass of Kiang East, Lamin Hydara of Jarra Central, Amadou Khan of Jokadou, Samba Cham of Central Badibou, Lamin KT Jammeh of Illiasa, Ousman Njie of Sami, Foday A Jallow of Niamina East, Ahmad Malick Njie of Upper Fulladou West, Habiboulie K Jawo of Jimara, Netty Baldeh of Tumana, Saikou Susso of Kantora, Alhaji Kassoum Jallow of Wuli West, Saidou V Sabally of Wuli East and Abdoulie Kanaji Jawla of Sandu.

The remaining 24 APRC candidates are therefore, going in for campaign and election, as there are NRP and Independent candidates who fielded their candidatures to vie for the said seats
Nominations for the March 29th Assembly polls ended on Saturday with 8 candidates for the opposition NRP and 20 independent candidates being nominated at the various Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) regional offices across the country.

It could be recalled that the APRC candidates were nominated in all the 48 constituencies across the country on Thursday, whilst the rest of the opposition parties all decided to boycott the election.

Banjul

The IEC returning officer for Banjul, Amadou Jobe, Saturday approved the nomination of two independent candidates vying for the Banjul South and Central Constituencies, in the forthcoming National Assembly elections slated for March 29th,2012. Alhaji Mbye Baboucarr Manneh of Banjul South and Haddijatou Forbes of Banjul Central Constituencies were nominated as independent candidates.

Speaking to the Daily Observer shortly after his nomination, Alhaji Mbye Baboucarr Manneh said among his priorities for the people of Banjul South would be to improve the environmental sanitation of his people and also to advocate for the reduction of school fees in the private schools. He said that it is very hard for some parents to afford school fees for their children.

According to him, if elected, he would also create employment opportunities for the youth and women and will engage the youth to be actively involved in the fishing industry. Manneh added that it is also part of his plans to develop sports in his constituency and also to bring development projects to the door steps of his people.

Also speaking to this paper after her nomination, Haddijatou Forbes, the independent candidate for Banjul Central, pointed out that one of the reasons that made her stand as an independent candidate is that she is not impressed with the slow pace of work in her constituency. She said that if elected, she will use her contacts to bring development for the people of Banjul Central. She reiterated that her priority for Banjul Central would be to address the slow pace of development in the constituency and also address the environmental hygiene and sanitation problem.

Kanifing Municipality

In the Kanifing Municipality, the Independent Electoral Commission last Saturday endorsed the nomination of three independent candidates at its regional office along Kairabe Avenue presided over by the IEC chief electoral officer, Robert Anthony Secka, who is also the returning officer for the area.

The three are: Dodou Kassa Jatta of Bakau Constituency; Modou I. Cham alias MC Cham of Jeshwang Constituency; and Sheikh Omar Saho of Serrekunda Central Constituency. In an interview with the Daily Observer, Dodou Kassa Jatta, said that he would serve his people in their best interest.

He indicated that his candidacy is long overdue and that he was asked by the people to contest. “My desire was tohavesomebody as a candidate and support him, but the community came to me and said they that they wanted me to represent them at the National Assembly, so I decided to contest,” he sated. When asked whether he resigned from the UDP? He said: “I don't want to talk about it until Monday.”

For his part, MC Cham of Jeshwang Constituency,said that he withdrew his candidacy in the last National Assembly Election to give chance to Haddy Nyang-Jagne, th incumbent NAM and APRC candidate to deliver, but noted that she performed below expectations. “I withdrew my candidacy as independent during the 2007 Assembly election, to give her the chance so that she would consider the people of the constituency, as well as address issues of common concern in the constituency both in the Assembly and at the community level, but she didn't do that.

Again, most of the people of my constituency don’t know her as their representative at the Assembly, which is not good for our constituency,” Cham remarked. He said that when elected into office, he would make sure that everyone is on board for development

He highlighted the importance of youth participation in any national development endeavour.

His words: “All the youth in my constituency are behind me and I will bring them on board for development,” he vowed.

West Coast Region

Three candidates have been nominated to contest on an independent ticket in the West Coast Region. Abdou Sanyang, Ousman M. Nyassi and Buba Ayi Sanneh are contesting against the APRC nominated candidates in the Foni Jarrol, Foni Bondali and Kombo Central Constituencies respectively.

Speaking to the journalists shortly after thenomination, the independent candidate of Foni Jarrol Constituency, Abdou Sanyang, age 54 and a former teacher, said he is contesting for the election because his people have trust in him to represent them at the National Assembly. He assured that he would do his utmost best for his people if elected.

Ousman M Nyassi of Foni Bondali, promised to represent his people very well at the Assembly, if elected. He also promised that he will work hard to bring development in the area. For his part, Buba Ayi Sanneh of Kombo Central, told journalists that he intends to make the development needs of his people as his priority if voted into office.

Lower River Region

The Independent Electoral Commission administrative office in the Lower River Region on Saturday duly confirmed the nomination of three independent candidates to contest in the forthcoming National Assembly election.

The three are:Babanding K.K Daffeh of Kiang Central Constituency, Alkali Sallah of Jarra West Constituency and Sainey Touray of Jarra East Constituency.

The nominations were presided over by the region’s IEC returning officer, Sulayman Joof. Speaking to reporters shortly after their nomination, Alkali Sallah, a native of Kabada Misera village and a graduateof the West African Chartered College (WACC) in Bakau expressed optimism that he would unseat his opponent, the APRC candidate, Njie Darboe.

He said: “I have got the backing from the electorate and come March 29, I will emerge victorious. I decided to contest as an independent candidate so as to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country. He finally called on his supporters to come out in full force and vote for him, while advising them to avoid violence before, during and after the campaign and election period.

Babanding K.K Daffeh, a native of Kwinela villagewho resigned fron the UDP, said he is out to win, that he is confident that his people are behind him and that come March 29, he will return to the National Assembly as an independent candidate. When asked why he broke away from his party (UDP), Babanding Daffeh said he is a liberal politician who believes in the rule of law. He said: “My wishes and hopes are to see the Gambia’s development for the betterment of all and sundry.”

He described his first term in office as a success, noting that he has helped to bring development in his constituency over the years and that if he is elected again for the second term, he would continue to bring similar developments, not only for his people but The Gambia at large. He then urged his supporters to make sure that the election period is free from violence, stressing that everyone should ensure that the peace and tranquility that exist in the country are maintained. Daffeh also urged his supporters to come out in their numbers and vote for him in the forthcoming N/A election.

For his part, Sainey Touray, age 30, a consultant and a native of Jarra Sukuta village in Jarra East Constituency, also expressed optimism of victory in the election.He stated that development projects such as water and electricity are part of his priorities for his constituency, if elected into office. He finally called on his supporters to avoid violence during the campaign period as well as after election.

North Bank Region

The IEC regional office in Kerewan hasapproved the nomination of four candidates, two from the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) and another two independent candidates. The candidates, Musa Sonko of Berending village in the Lower Nuimi District and one Ousman Touray, are contesting under the NRP tickets.

Meanwhile, Kebba Singhateh, a native of Saba in Lower Baddibou and Pa Modou Njie, a native of Prince Village in Upper Nuimi are contesting in their respective constituencies as independent candidates.The nominations were presided over by the NBR’s IEC regional returning officer, Isatou Jallow- Ndure.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his nominations, Musa Sonko, said he has been contesting against the ruling parties in the First and Second Republic. “In 1992,Icontested under GPP and under the UDP ticket in 1996 butlost all .NowI am contesting under the NRP ticket,” he said. Sonko noted that his development priorities will be centered promoting unity among the people of Lower Nuimi and support women farmers.

Ousman Touray, a native of Sabach Njien village in Sabach Sanjal Constituency, and a former councillor of the area, told reporters that his people have been complaining of bad road network. He promised to work to address their constraints if elected into office and also urged his people to abide by the election rules and campaign ethics.

Kebba Singhateh, an independent candidate for Lower Baddibou, told reporters that if he elected into office, he will create an agency called Lower Baddibou Development Agency. The agency, he said, would support professionals of different backgrounds to forge partnership with the people particularly farmers, the youth and women for development.

For his part, Pa Modou Njie, an independent candidate, who is also a seasoned businessman, vows to bring lot of development in Upper Nuimi as well as address development constraints in his constituency; such as the road network, supporting the youth, women and farmers.

Central River Region

In CRR, six candidates, Sering Baldeh Jadama; Hamat NK Bah; Lamin Cham; Alhagie A.S Boye; Samba Baldeh; and Samba Jallow, of the opposition NRP, were nominated in Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum, Nianija, Lower Fulladu West, Niamina West, and Niamina Dankunku Constituencies respectively.

For independent candidates, they are contesting in the following constituencies: Upper Saloum, Mot Mbaye; Niani, Demba Sambou; Janjangbureh, Kebba Yerro Manneh; Niamina Dankunku, Nuha Saidykhan. Meanwhile, two independent candidates, Muhammed Tambura and Omar Tobb are both contesting for the Lower Fulladu West Constituency. For Sami, Niamina East and Upper Fulladu West Constituencies, they are unopposed.

Upper River Region

The IEC Regional Office in Basse, Saturday, 10th March 2012, approved the nomination of Muhammed Magassy, a native of the Serahule border village of Sabi, as an independent candidate for the Basse Constituency. The nomination, which was held at the IEC head office in Basse Mansajang, was administered by the Regional IEC Commissioner for URR, Alieu Moamar Njai, assisted by his regional electoral officer, Lamin Jadama.

Speaking to waiting journalists after his nomination, Magassy said he is confident of victory, and that come the 29th March, he will win with alandslide. According to him, he stood as an independent candidate in order to participate in nation building. In his words: “With the cooperation of the people of this constituency, the dream of Vision 2020 and the MDGs can be achieved”. He said he is ready to work with the president of the Republic in transforming the Basse Constituency. He finally advised his supporters to respect the rule of law and avoid violence.

Also speaking to journalists after the nomination process, Alieu Moamar Njai, IEC commissioner in URR, first thanked and commended journalists for going down to the regional level to cover the nomination process. According to him, the process has been peaceful and orderly, while commending the security for a job well done.

He said in URR, election will take placeonly in Basse Constituency, as candidates from the other six constituencies are already unopposed.Commissioner Njai finally advised the candidates to go by the election code of conduct in order to avoid violence.APRC unopposed in 24 constituencies, while NRP nominate 8 and 20 independent Candidates

Twenty-four APRC candidates who were nominated for the forthcoming National Assembly election have gone unopposed as no opposition or Independent candidate has challenged them in their various constituencies while National Reconcilation Party (NRP) has nominated eight candidates and twenty independent candidates according to the Independent Electoral Commission yesterday.

This development came following a media release from the Independent Electoral Commission on the 10th March 2012 that in accordance with Section 52 of the Election Act, nomination for candidates are closed and that the APRC fielded in candidates for all the forty-eight constituencies, eight candidates for the opposition NRP party and twenty Independent candidates respectively.

The unopposed APRC candidates and constituencies are Alhagie Sillah of Banjul North, Sulayman S Joof of Serrekunda West, Fabakary Tombong Jatta of Serrekunda East, Pa Lamin Jatta of Kombo North, Abdou Kolley of Kombo South, Alhasan Bojang of Kombo East, Ebrima Solo Jammeh of Foni Bintang, Bintanding Jarju of Foni Brefet, Buba A Bojang of Foni Kansala, Yaya Dibba of Kiang West, Bora B. Mass of Kiang East, Lamin Hydara of Jarra Central, Amadou Khan of Jokadou, Samba Cham of Central Badibou, Lamin KT Jammeh of Illiasa, Ousman Njie of Sami, Foday A Jallow of Niamina East, Ahmad Malick Njie of Upper Fulladou West, Habiboulie K Jawo of Jimara, Netty Baldeh of Tumana, Saikou Susso of Kantora, Alhaji Kassoum Jallow of Wuli West, Saidou V Sabally of Wuli East and Abdoulie Kanaji Jawla of Sandu.

The remaining 24 APRC candidates are therefore, going in for campaign and election, as there are NRP and Independent candidates who fielded their candidatures to vie for the said seats
Nominations for the March 29th Assembly polls ended on Saturday with 8 candidates for the opposition NRP and 20 independent candidates being nominated at the various Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) regional offices across the country.

It could be recalled that the APRC candidates were nominated in all the 48 constituencies across the country on Thursday, whilst the rest of the opposition parties all decided to boycott the election.

Banjul

The IEC returning officer for Banjul, Amadou Jobe, Saturday approved the nomination of two independent candidates vying for the Banjul South and Central Constituencies, in the forthcoming National Assembly elections slated for March 29th,2012. Alhaji Mbye Baboucarr Manneh of Banjul South and Haddijatou Forbes of Banjul Central Constituencies were nominated as independent candidates.

Speaking to the Daily Observer shortly after his nomination, Alhaji Mbye Baboucarr Manneh said among his priorities for the people of Banjul South would be to improve the environmental sanitation of his people and also to advocate for the reduction of school fees in the private schools. He said that it is very hard for some parents to afford school fees for their children.

According to him, if elected, he would also create employment opportunities for the youth and women and will engage the youth to be actively involved in the fishing industry. Manneh added that it is also part of his plans to develop sports in his constituency and also to bring development projects to the door steps of his people.

Also speaking to this paper after her nomination, Haddijatou Forbes, the independent candidate for Banjul Central, pointed out that one of the reasons that made her stand as an independent candidate is that she is not impressed with the slow pace of work in her constituency. She said that if elected, she will use her contacts to bring development for the people of Banjul Central. She reiterated that her priority for Banjul Central would be to address the slow pace of development in the constituency and also address the environmental hygiene and sanitation problem.

Kanifing Municipality

In the Kanifing Municipality, the Independent Electoral Commission last Saturday endorsed the nomination of three independent candidates at its regional office along Kairabe Avenue presided over by the IEC chief electoral officer, Robert Anthony Secka, who is also the returning officer for the area.

The three are: Dodou Kassa Jatta of Bakau Constituency; Modou I. Cham alias MC Cham of Jeshwang Constituency; and Sheikh Omar Saho of Serrekunda Central Constituency. In an interview with the Daily Observer, Dodou Kassa Jatta, said that he would serve his people in their best interest.

He indicated that his candidacy is long overdue and that he was asked by the people to contest. “My desire was tohavesomebody as a candidate and support him, but the community came to me and said they that they wanted me to represent them at the National Assembly, so I decided to contest,” he sated. When asked whether he resigned from the UDP? He said: “I don't want to talk about it until Monday.”

For his part, MC Cham of Jeshwang Constituency,said that he withdrew his candidacy in the last National Assembly Election to give chance to Haddy Nyang-Jagne, th incumbent NAM and APRC candidate to deliver, but noted that she performed below expectations. “I withdrew my candidacy as independent during the 2007 Assembly election, to give her the chance so that she would consider the people of the constituency, as well as address issues of common concern in the constituency both in the Assembly and at the community level, but she didn't do that.

Again, most of the people of my constituency don’t know her as their representative at the Assembly, which is not good for our constituency,” Cham remarked. He said that when elected into office, he would make sure that everyone is on board for development

He highlighted the importance of youth participation in any national development endeavour.

His words: “All the youth in my constituency are behind me and I will bring them on board for development,” he vowed.

West Coast Region

Three candidates have been nominated to contest on an independent ticket in the West Coast Region. Abdou Sanyang, Ousman M. Nyassi and Buba Ayi Sanneh are contesting against the APRC nominated candidates in the Foni Jarrol, Foni Bondali and Kombo Central Constituencies respectively.

Speaking to the journalists shortly after thenomination, the independent candidate of Foni Jarrol Constituency, Abdou Sanyang, age 54 and a former teacher, said he is contesting for the election because his people have trust in him to represent them at the National Assembly. He assured that he would do his utmost best for his people if elected.

Ousman M Nyassi of Foni Bondali, promised to represent his people very well at the Assembly, if elected. He also promised that he will work hard to bring development in the area. For his part, Buba Ayi Sanneh of Kombo Central, told journalists that he intends to make the development needs of his people as his priority if voted into office.

Lower River Region

The Independent Electoral Commission administrative office in the Lower River Region on Saturday duly confirmed the nomination of three independent candidates to contest in the forthcoming National Assembly election.

The three are:Babanding K.K Daffeh of Kiang Central Constituency, Alkali Sallah of Jarra West Constituency and Sainey Touray of Jarra East Constituency.

The nominations were presided over by the region’s IEC returning officer, Sulayman Joof. Speaking to reporters shortly after their nomination, Alkali Sallah, a native of Kabada Misera village and a graduateof the West African Chartered College (WACC) in Bakau expressed optimism that he would unseat his opponent, the APRC candidate, Njie Darboe.

He said: “I have got the backing from the electorate and come March 29, I will emerge victorious. I decided to contest as an independent candidate so as to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country. He finally called on his supporters to come out in full force and vote for him, while advising them to avoid violence before, during and after the campaign and election period.

Babanding K.K Daffeh, a native of Kwinela villagewho resigned fron the UDP, said he is out to win, that he is confident that his people are behind him and that come March 29, he will return to the National Assembly as an independent candidate. When asked why he broke away from his party (UDP), Babanding Daffeh said he is a liberal politician who believes in the rule of law. He said: “My wishes and hopes are to see the Gambia’s development for the betterment of all and sundry.”

He described his first term in office as a success, noting that he has helped to bring development in his constituency over the years and that if he is elected again for the second term, he would continue to bring similar developments, not only for his people but The Gambia at large. He then urged his supporters to make sure that the election period is free from violence, stressing that everyone should ensure that the peace and tranquility that exist in the country are maintained. Daffeh also urged his supporters to come out in their numbers and vote for him in the forthcoming N/A election.

For his part, Sainey Touray, age 30, a consultant and a native of Jarra Sukuta village in Jarra East Constituency, also expressed optimism of victory in the election.He stated that development projects such as water and electricity are part of his priorities for his constituency, if elected into office. He finally called on his supporters to avoid violence during the campaign period as well as after election.

North Bank Region

The IEC regional office in Kerewan hasapproved the nomination of four candidates, two from the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) and another two independent candidates. The candidates, Musa Sonko of Berending village in the Lower Nuimi District and one Ousman Touray, are contesting under the NRP tickets.

Meanwhile, Kebba Singhateh, a native of Saba in Lower Baddibou and Pa Modou Njie, a native of Prince Village in Upper Nuimi are contesting in their respective constituencies as independent candidates.The nominations were presided over by the NBR’s IEC regional returning officer, Isatou Jallow- Ndure.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his nominations, Musa Sonko, said he has been contesting against the ruling parties in the First and Second Republic. “In 1992,Icontested under GPP and under the UDP ticket in 1996 butlost all .NowI am contesting under the NRP ticket,” he said. Sonko noted that his development priorities will be centered promoting unity among the people of Lower Nuimi and support women farmers.

Ousman Touray, a native of Sabach Njien village in Sabach Sanjal Constituency, and a former councillor of the area, told reporters that his people have been complaining of bad road network. He promised to work to address their constraints if elected into office and also urged his people to abide by the election rules and campaign ethics.

Kebba Singhateh, an independent candidate for Lower Baddibou, told reporters that if he elected into office, he will create an agency called Lower Baddibou Development Agency. The agency, he said, would support professionals of different backgrounds to forge partnership with the people particularly farmers, the youth and women for development.

For his part, Pa Modou Njie, an independent candidate, who is also a seasoned businessman, vows to bring lot of development in Upper Nuimi as well as address development constraints in his constituency; such as the road network, supporting the youth, women and farmers.

Central River Region

In CRR, six candidates, Sering Baldeh Jadama; Hamat NK Bah; Lamin Cham; Alhagie A.S Boye; Samba Baldeh; and Samba Jallow, of the opposition NRP, were nominated in Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum, Nianija, Lower Fulladu West, Niamina West, and Niamina Dankunku Constituencies respectively.

For independent candidates, they are contesting in the following constituencies: Upper Saloum, Mot Mbaye; Niani, Demba Sambou; Janjangbureh, Kebba Yerro Manneh; Niamina Dankunku, Nuha Saidykhan. Meanwhile, two independent candidates, Muhammed Tambura and Omar Tobb are both contesting for the Lower Fulladu West Constituency. For Sami, Niamina East and Upper Fulladu West Constituencies, they are unopposed.

Upper River Region

The IEC Regional Office in Basse, Saturday, 10th March 2012, approved the nomination of Muhammed Magassy, a native of the Serahule border village of Sabi, as an independent candidate for the Basse Constituency. The nomination, which was held at the IEC head office in Basse Mansajang, was administered by the Regional IEC Commissioner for URR, Alieu Moamar Njai, assisted by his regional electoral officer, Lamin Jadama.

Speaking to waiting journalists after his nomination, Magassy said he is confident of victory, and that come the 29th March, he will win with alandslide. According to him, he stood as an independent candidate in order to participate in nation building. In his words: “With the cooperation of the people of this constituency, the dream of Vision 2020 and the MDGs can be achieved”. He said he is ready to work with the president of the Republic in transforming the Basse Constituency. He finally advised his supporters to respect the rule of law and avoid violence.

Also speaking to journalists after the nomination process, Alieu Moamar Njai, IEC commissioner in URR, first thanked and commended journalists for going down to the regional level to cover the nomination process. According to him, the process has been peaceful and orderly, while commending the security for a job well done.

He said in URR, election will take placeonly in Basse Constituency, as candidates from the other six constituencies are already unopposed.Commissioner Njai finally advised the candidates to go by the election code of conduct in order to avoid violence.